Okay, stuff to do in the Dark in Philly:
McGillin's Old Ale House A Philly staple since 1860, McGillin's has remained true to its heart over the years, serving great eats and cold beer to everybody from Ed Bradley and Ethel Merman to Robin Williams and Will Ferrell. Inside, the place has the timeless look of a neighborhood tavern – dark-stained wood, plaster walls, red floor tiles and tall windows. Adding a certain kitschy sense of tradition to the place is the unique display of Pennsylvania tavern licenses that hang on the wall behind the bar, one for each year the place has served alcohol. Keep your eyes peeled to the calendar and plan to stop in when McGillin's hosts a karaoke night – they're a blast (Fridays). Occasional live music as well.
Monk's Cafe Located on the corner of 16th and Spruce, Monk's has been collecting award after award for its outstanding beer selection since the Clinton administration. The front bar normally features an American microbrew or two as well as single malt scotches, small batch bourbons and top shelf tequilas. At the back bar, meanwhile, several hard-to-find Belgian ales like Chouffe Houblon, Augustijn Blonde and Flemish Sour Red Ale are on tap. In case you were wondering, the grub – including daily specials like Rodenbach lamb stew – has been specifically chosen because it complements the international brews.
North 3rd Bar & Restaurant This cozy corner watering hole, located at 3rd and Brown, has emerged as a true haven for the more sophisticated palates that live and play in the Northern Liberties. Works by local artists adorn the place's exposed bricks walls, and the selection of poisons is as diverse as any place in town (from Rothbury Estate Shiraz to minty Mojito Martinis). Adding to the spot's wide appeal is a calendar of events that slates weekly Indy film screenings. As for eats, try your hand at their tasty potato pierogies, gazpacho or steamed mussels. Weekend brunch at North 3rd – a lineup that includes challah French toast, breakfast quesadilla eggs and arugula and beet salad – is also a must.
Standard Tap: On the corner of 2nd and Poplar stands the Standard Tap, a neighborhood pub that boasts some of the city's most innovative cookery. Yes the Standard's beer selection is impressive – very impressive, in fact – and includes a number of micro-brewed products that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. But, honestly, what gets this joint the high marks is the fact that, like the good gastro-pubs in Europe, their kitchen staff strives to keep things fresh and new, resulting in tasty dishes like roasted lamb shanks, steamed clams, octopus and smelts.
Live Music: Tin Angel Acoustic Cafe Tin Angel is a unique musical venue featuring a wide variety of top flight national and local attractions in an intimate cafe style setting. In addition to excellent acoustic and other "unplugged" entertainment, Tin Angel offers candlelit table seating, great coffees, cappuccinos, and teas, as well as a complete selection of liquors, wines, beers and mineral waters. Fine dining is also only a flight of stairs away at Serrano, renowned for its "International Home Cooking."
Ortlieb's Jazzhaus Live jazz Tue-Sun. Cajun and American food served. A spicy entertainment and food combination!! In addition, legendary Mickey Roker, who played with Dizzy Gillespie, hangs around and sometimes performs at the Jazzhaus.